Waishkey Bay Farm (Bay Mills Community College)

Waishkey Bay Farm stands out as a community-centered, educational farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty, rooted in traditional Anishinaabek values. The farm offers a diverse range of activities, including hoop house vegetable production, a community garden, pasture poultry, beekeeping, and grass-fed beef. Visitors can engage with workshops on topics like seed saving, mushroom cultivation, soil health, and berry care. The farm also supports local food systems through farmers markets and educational outreach, making it an excellent destination for those interested in learning about sustainable agriculture and indigenous foodways. Waishkey Bay Farm operates primarily as an educational facility, so visitors should call ahead to confirm available tours or activities.

Jere Farms

Jere Farms, located in nearby Brimley, is a highly rated local farm offering fresh produce and pasture-fed meats. Its accessibility and positive community reviews make it a great stop for travelers seeking fresh, local food and a glimpse into small-scale farming in the region. While it may not offer the extensive educational programming of larger agritourism operations, Jere Farms is ideal for those who want to support local agriculture and enjoy high-quality farm products.

Michigan Farm Fun (Statewide Agritourism Guide)

For those seeking a broader agritourism adventure, the Michigan Farm Fun guide is an invaluable resource. It connects visitors to a wide variety of experiences across the state, including U-pick farms, cider mills, corn mazes, petting farms, and farm stays. While not specific to Bay Mills, this guide can help travelers find nearby agritourism opportunities and plan a more extensive agricultural tour of Michigan. The main advantage is the sheer variety of options, though some may require travel beyond the immediate Bay Mills area.

Agritourism Activities Near Bay Mills, Michigan

The Bay Mills area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a variety of agritourism experiences, blending local agriculture, education, and community engagement. Here are the main activities available:

Farmers Markets and Local Produce

• Visit the Bay Mills Farmers Market and other nearby markets such as the Superior Township Friday Farmers Market, Newberry Farmers Market, Paradise Farmers Market, and Les Cheneaux Artisan Farmers Market. Jere Farms, based in Brimley, is a prominent local producer offering pasture-raised meats and homegrown vegetables at these markets.

Farm Visits and On-Farm Sales

• Jere Farms offers on-farm sales of their meats and produce. Visitors can stop by to purchase high-quality, ethically raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey, as well as seasonal vegetables.
• Jarvie Hay Farms in Brimley offers another opportunity to connect with local agriculture. While less focused on agritourism events, it provides insight into hay farming and rural life in the region, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in the agricultural landscape.

Educational Farm Experiences

Waishkey Bay Farm, operated by Bay Mills Community College, is a 280-acre teaching and research facility focused on sustainable agriculture and traditional Anishinaabek values. Activities include:

• Tours of hoop houses, greenhouses, and community gardens
• Observing pasture-based chicken production, beekeeping (apiary), apple orchards, blueberry cultivation, and grass-fed beef herds
• Workshops on topics such as seed saving, mushroom cultivation, tomato pruning, soil health, berry care, garlic planting, and Michigan Cottage Food Law

Key Features and Activities:

• Teaching and Research Facility: Waishkey Bay Farm spans 280 acres and serves as a teaching, research, and incubator facility focused on sustainable agriculture and strengthening the local food system in ways that honor traditional Anishinaabek values. The farm features hoop houses, a greenhouse, a community garden, pasture-based chicken production, an apiary, apple orchard, industrial hemp trials, cultivated blueberries, and grass-fed beef production.
• Youth and Community Engagement: The farm provides immersive experiences for local youth and community members. Activities include farm tours, community gardening, poultry and honey production, vegetable growing, marketing, livestock care, and food preservation. These experiences are integrated into programs for local schools, youth clubs, and community groups.
• Indigenous Food Sovereignty Curriculum: Waishkey Bay Farm is a hub for innovative educational programming, such as the Anishinaabe Science and Food Sovereignty curriculum. This curriculum, developed by BMCC educators, offers workshops and hands-on experiences like cultivating Three Sisters' corn, seed saving, maple cream making, vermiculture, pig farming, honey bottling, and seasonal harvest lessons. These programs are designed to blend Indigenous knowledge with modern sustainable agriculture.
• Workshops and Community-Led Learning: The farm regularly hosts workshops on beekeeping, food preservation, seed saving, and teacher training in food education. Many events are led by community members, ensuring the integration of local knowledge and cultural practices. For example, traditional tea plants are grown and foraged, and teas are labeled in both Ojibwa and English, highlighting language and cultural preservation.
• Professional Development: Waishkey Bay Farm also serves as a site for professional development for students, teachers, and community members, offering training in communication, planning, leadership, and agricultural entrepreneurship. The farm is involved in regional conferences and collaborates with local and regional partners to expand educational opportunities.
• Health and Nutrition Education: The farm’s extension services provide comprehensive education in nutrition, gardening, food preparation, and preservation. Programs aim to increase the community’s capacity to grow, prepare, and preserve their own food, supporting both food security and improved health outcomes.

Hands-on Workshops and Community Events

Waishkey Bay Farm and its partners regularly host workshops and field trips for all ages, covering gardening, food preservation, nutrition, and sustainable food production. These events are open to the community and often include hands-on learning opportunities.

Farm Shares and Local Food Programs

Purchase farm shares or participate in local food programs to support sustainable agriculture and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and meats directly from area farms.

Seasonal and Family-Friendly Activities

While the immediate Bay Mills area focuses on educational and market-based agritourism, the broader region (and Michigan as a whole) offers activities such as U-pick fruit farms, cider mills, corn mazes, petting farms, and farm-to-table dinners. The Michigan Farm Fun guide is a helpful resource for finding these experiences throughout the state.